Graphic Design and Illustration
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| graphic design | 平面设计 | píng miàn shè jì |
| illustration | 插画 | chā huà |
| typography | 字体排印 | zì tǐ pái yìn |
| visual hierarchy | 视觉层次 | shì jué céng cì |
Communicating a message
- Graphic design 平面设计 communicates a message visually.
- Illustration 插画 makes images that support or tell a story.
- Both combine type, image, colour, and layout for a viewer or client.
The art of arranging typefaces, size, and spacing is called...
Typography is the design of type in a layout.
Select all elements graphic design combines.
Type, image, and layout are combined in design; temperature is not.
Typography and hierarchy
- Typography 字体排印 — typeface, size, spacing, alignment — is a core design tool.
- Visual hierarchy guides the eye to what matters first.
- Size, weight, and placement rank the message.
Graphic design tool or not?
Sort each item as a graphic-design tool or not a design tool.
Using size and weight so the eye reads the most important thing first creates visual ____.
Visual hierarchy ranks a message for the viewer.
Match each term to its meaning.
Graphic design = message; illustration = story; typography = type.
Design as problem-solving
- Design and illustration are problem-solving: audience and message shape every choice.
- Illustration serves a purpose — editorial, book, poster, product.
- The best solutions communicate clearly and look strong.
A beautiful poster that fails to communicate its message is a failed design.
Design is problem-solving — communication comes first.
Graphic design is not just "making things look nice". It is problem-solving for a message and an audience. A beautiful poster that fails to communicate is a failed design; a plain one that communicates clearly can be a great one. Function comes with the form.
For a concert poster, the designer sets the band name in huge bold type at the top (visual hierarchy), the date smaller below, and fine print last. The typography and layout make the key information read instantly — the design solves the communication problem.
Graphic design communicates a message; illustration makes images that tell a story. Both use typography and visual hierarchy to guide the eye. Design is problem-solving: the audience and message shape every choice, so it must communicate clearly, not just look nice.